ABSN vs MSN-CNL

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Hi y'all! So I'm a recent graduate with a bachelors degree that is not in nursing and looking to get into nursing! The school that I graduated from have two programs that I'm trying to apply to but I'm not sure what is the best option for me. The two programs are a ABSN (12 month program) or a MSN-CNL program (21 months). The MSN Program does not give me a BSN during the first year and then I take my NCLEX and continue with my masters classes, but rather I go through the whole 21 month program THEN take the NCLEX, but then if I want to become a NP I can get my post-masters certificate in whatever specialty (I.e. Peds, FNP, acute-gerontology, etc) it online for an additional 3 semesters so 1.5 years. I eventually want to become an NP later in the future and work in aesthetics and plastics. What do you guys think is the right course of action? What will let me get to where I wanna be but also be in the least amount of debt? Please let me know your thoughts!

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Go for the ABSN. Work as an actual RN for a few years before going on for an NP. Your ideas of what you want to do may very well change.

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@klone thanks for your advice! I see that you are an MSN, if you don't mind me asking why did you choose an MSN? Did you get a BSN in nursing or also went through a ABSN program first? Just wanna hear more about your journey! Also, I'm scared that the MSN or ABSN program is going to be extremely hard do you think I'll make it and any advice? 

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I did it the long way: ADN->BSN->MSN. There was 10 years in there between my first degree and my last degree. I chose the MSN in leadership because I had decided that I wanted to see my career going into leadership/administration in the specialty I worked.

I do know that ABSN programs are HARD. You pretty much have to set aside everything else for that 12 months that you're doing it. You will live and breathe nursing school. But, after a year of your life, you will be an RN, able to work and take home a nice paycheck.

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